“Justice Finally Served: Subway Choker Daniel Penny to Face Consequences”

## Man Charged with Manslaughter in Second Degree in Connection with Subway Chokehold Death

A Manhattan District Attorney’s Office spokesperson has confirmed that Daniel Penny is expected to turn himself in as soon as Friday, to face criminal charges in connection with the chokehold death of Jordan Neely aboard an F train. Penny, a Marine veteran, was filmed putting Neely in a chokehold, leading to his death on May 1. Penny is expected to be charged with manslaughter in the second degree.

The incident on the subway train raised many questions regarding subway safety and the use of force by citizens and trained personnel. Penny’s actions and the resultant death of Neely highlight the tension between the law and morality. While some see it as the need for consequences, others view it as an issue of justice.

#### The incident

On May 1, Daniel Penny, a marine veteran, was on board an F train when he noticed Jordan Neely, a homeless man, harassing passengers. Reports suggest that Neely was yelling and causing disturbances on the train. Daniel Penny got involved in the situation to stop the outburst. In the process, he put Neely in a chokehold and held him there for nearly three minutes.

#### The defence

Attorneys for Penny released a statement Thursday night saying, “We can confirm that Daniel Penny will be arrested on a charge of Manslaughter in the Second Degree… when Mr. Penny, a decorated Marine veteran, stepped in to protect himself and his fellow New Yorkers, his well-being was not assured. He risked his life and safety for the protection of his fellow passengers. The unfortunate result was the unintended and unforeseen death of Mr. Neely.”

#### The prosecution

The Neely family attorneys criticized Penny’s defence, highlighting that Penny was not being threatened by Neely when the encounter occurred. The Manhattan District Attorney’s Office in consultation with the medical examiner’s office and detectives, reviewed statements Penny made to detectives on the night of the incident and interviewed and consulted with multiple witnesses on the train. Following these interviews, they have opted to proceed with the charges of manslaughter in the second degree.

#### The philosophical debate

The Daniel Penny case highlights the tension between the law and morality. Was Penny justified in using such force on Neely? Was he justified in taking the life of another human being, regardless of the circumstances? These questions raise larger philosophical debates about the nature of justice and consequences, particularly in cases where an individual’s life is at risk.

As our society grapples with these issues, it is imperative to reexamine how we define justice and consequences. Certain incidents require consequences; however, these consequences must reflect a larger societal consensuses as represented by the law. The question in this case was whether Penny’s actions were justifiable under the law or whether they constituted a crime.

#### Conclusion

The Daniel Penny case is a tragic reminder of the delicate balance between upholding the law and preserving human life. While we must recognize the need for consequences, we must also distinguish between vigilante justice and a functional justice system. We must ensure that we have a legal system that relies on evidence-based decisions, and it must be accountable to all its citizens. In a complex and ever-changing society, we must continually examine how we define justice and consequences and strive to achieve the delicate balance between promoting the common good and respecting individual rights.